Student Testimonials

Hiking afront Mt. Blackburn. Photo credit: Karen Mager.

“Do this program. Your life will never be the same.”

“It exceeded my expectations. Living in the backcountry for four weeks and my experience in McCarthy and the surrounding area changed me for the better. Both have left me with a better sense of how an individual can make a difference in our world.”

“Spending 28 days in the backcountry was the most powerful experience in my life. I became so self-reliant and self-confident.”

“It allowed me to tie together my various classes at school--natural history, sciences, history--and approach education in a more holistic ways. “

“I learned many real-world applicable skills that are normally left out in classrooms.”

“Being outside of my comfort zone in the wilderness and becoming comfortable was very empowering.“

“This program was much more than an academic experience for me. I learned a lot that applied to my major. And I learned a lot of life skills that I value more than the academics.”

“This experience has given me a new drive for my life. I have a better idea of my limits and they are much wider than I thought. Life in the town of McCarthy has also opened my expectations for life. We have been fooled into thinking that some luxuries are necessary, but there is a simpler life available.”

“I loved getting away from the phones, computers, and screens of the urban world. The environment here is all I had expected.”

“The program was more than I hoped it would be, it exceeded all of my expectations. I always felt comfortable, safe, and like I was learning a lot.”

“This program was way better than any type of learning experience I’ve ever had. I think I have absorbed more information and will retain it better than other classes.”

“Everything we studied made me really appreciate the place I was in as well as my life.”

“I gained decision-making, communication skills, confidence, and a passion for living life and learning.”

“The staff at the Wrangell Mountains Center are such amazing people and the instructors were supportive, intelligent and kind through the entire program.”

“A wonderfully structured academic and backpacking program that pushed me mentally and physically.”

“I learned a lot about everything: the history of the area, the people, the geology, and ecology.”

“An incredible outdoor classroom and laboratory to struggle and learn.”

“The program gave me tools to think and to see my environment, wild or otherwise, in a new way.”

“This program gave me a new perspective with which to approach my classes at school.”

“I knew this program would be life shaping and it was, in even more ways than I knew.”

“Incredibly rewarding and life changing for students who are willing to push themselves and are eager to learn.”

“The program helped me think about career plans by assessing what I truly enjoy.”

“Learning while walking through the landscape features was amazing, plus reading scientific papers about things we could go and personally look at was incredible.”

“I learned new skills that are likely to be crucial to my future life.”